FORT BELVOIR, Va. -- The Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security is promoting safety and precaution as the installation braces for the increase in the likely hood of a tornado making landfall on post.
Tornadoes, widely regarded as nature's most violent storm, are rotating, funnelshaped clouds formed from thunderstorms. The winds can reach 300 mph and leave a mile-wide damage path.
These storm systems generally occur most frequently between March and August but Mario Sumter, DPTMS emergency management specialist, said they can happen throughout the year.
"There's no real such thing as a tornado season, tornadoes can happen anytime," Sumter said.
Sumter said an important aspect of tornado safety is understanding the difference between a watch and warning.
A watch indicates a tornado could possibly hit an area and a warning indicates that a tornado has been sighted in the area or has been sighted by the National Weather Service Doppler radar. People should take cover immediately when a warning is issued.
Sumter said the installation will keep the community informed of all possible tornadoes via emergency report system, web reports, and social media throughout duration of a dangerous weather system.
Community members can also make sound judgments by paying close attention to common signs indicating a tornado maybe making landfall.
These signs include hail or heavy rain followed by a dead calm or a fast intense wind shift, a loud continuous roar which doesn't fade in a few seconds like thunder does or whirling dust or debris on the ground under a cloud base.
At night, small bright blue-green to white flashes at ground level may be a sign of snapped power lines from strong winds.
According the ReadyArmy's website, tornadoes occur most often at the end of a thunderstorm with 80 percent occurring between noon and midnight.
The website also said tornadoes can happen anywhere and advises preparation as the best practice.
Sumter encourages personnel to have a supply of emergency supplies such as first aid and flashlights in their homes and vehicles.
A battery or hand crank powered National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration radio which delivers information directly from the National Weather Service would also be handy for staying informed about weather conditions.
Sumter also advises the community to determine ideal sheltering locations in advance and keep these areas uncluttered, storm cellars and basements provide the best protection.
If underground shelter is not available, a windowless interior room, closet or hallway provides the next best alternative.
If a person is in a car, trailer or mobile home during an establishment of tornado warning, Sumter recommends people leave their vehicle and search for shelter in a nearby building, a culvert or a ditch.
"You're more likely to be safer outside the vehicle than inside of it," Sumter said. "Get to a low lying area for protection, chances are it will pass you."
Sumter advises against taking shelter under a overpass or bridge because tornadoes can crush these structures.
Belvoir is participating in Virginia's statewide tornado drill, sponsored by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, March 20 at 9:45 a.m.
The garrison encourages all community members to participate and DPTMS officials are dispersing handouts outlining the keys to enduring any storm system that hits post.
Visit www.acsim.army.mil/readyarmy/Tornado_Fact_Sheet.pdf for an overview of the Army's guidelines for tornado preparation.
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